Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as a process of emptying the mind or reaching a flawless state of serenity. Instead, it resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that tends to show up a few minutes into sitting.
Our group blends decades of practice from various traditions. Some joined meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheavals, and a few discovered it in college and stayed. Our shared aim is to teach meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide brings a unique way of explaining ideas. Ravi often uses everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect with one teaching style more strongly than another.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation a lifelong vocation, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Ravi Krishnamurthy
Lead Instructor
Ravi began meditating in 1998 after burnout in his software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen in Japan. What distinguishes him is his ability to translate ancient ideas into surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation practices. His sessions frequently include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya blends her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She found contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that theoretical knowledge means little without lived experience. Her approach merges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a knack for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate but why these practices arose and what they truly aim to accomplish.
Why We Teach This Way
Years of practice and teaching have shown us that meditation is most effective when it’s made approachable. We don’t promise enlightenment or perfect peace. Instead, we focus on developing skills that help you face life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to consider whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking a thoughtful, unhurried approach to choosing contemplative practice.
If you’re curious about learning meditation as a practical life skill rather than a spiritual pursuit, we’d be honored to guide your exploration. The practice has subtly but profoundly transformed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.